Six Hidden Beaches Hike

Six Hidden Beaches Hike: An Honest Look at This Coastal Adventure

Thinking about adding a bit of adventure to your Puerto Vallarta trip? The Six Hidden Beaches Hike offers a chance to escape the city’s hustle and discover some lesser-known coastal gems. This guided tour takes you through lush jungle paths, along rugged beaches, and ends at a lively seafood spot — all for a pretty reasonable price.

Two things we really like about this experience are the authentic local transportation and the stunning scenery. Riding the city bus and water taxi makes you feel like you’re truly part of the local scene, not just a tourist. Plus, the views of the coast and the variety of beaches you visit are genuinely memorable. However, a potential challenge is that the hike is considered moderately strenuous and isn’t suited for those who aren’t in decent physical shape.

This tour is perfect if you’re someone who loves active days and exploring off-the-beaten-path spots. If you’re comfortable with some effort and want to see a different side of Puerto Vallarta — away from the resorts — this hike could be a real highlight. Just keep in mind the physical aspect and pack accordingly.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience: Public transportation and water taxi add to the charm.
• Moderate but demanding: It’s a 2.6-mile hike that requires decent fitness.
• Beautiful scenery: Beaches, jungle, and coastline views are spectacular.
• Includes boat and bus rides: Adds to the adventure and keeps transportation simple.
• Not for everyone: If you’re unsteady on your feet or injured, this might be tough.
• Cost-effective: At around $39, it offers solid value considering the diverse experiences.

An In-Depth Look at the Six Hidden Beaches Hike

If you’re the kind of traveler who craves a mix of nature, culture, and a touch of physical activity, this tour might just be your cup of tea. It’s a great way to see parts of Puerto Vallarta most visitors miss, but it’s not without its quirks. Let’s walk through what you can expect, and what makes this experience stand out.

Starting Point: The Romantic Zone

The adventure kicks off in the charming Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. This is a lively, picturesque spot, perfect for meeting your guide and fellow travelers. The meetup time is 9:30 am, giving you a nice start to the day. From there, you’ll hop onto a public city bus for a scenic 25-minute ride along the coast, passing by many of PV’s southern beaches. For us, this part is especially cool because it’s so authentic — you’re traveling like a local, not in a private transfer.

The First Stop: Boca de Tomatlán

Your journey begins in a quaint fishing town called Boca de Tomatlán. Here, the real adventure starts with a moderate 30-minute hike to the first beach, known as Colomitos. This tiny spot packs a punch — it’s often cited as Mexico’s smallest beach, and it’s popular for the clear water and lush surroundings. Many reviews highlight how this initial stretch feels manageable but invigorating.

One reviewer described it as “beautiful,” and others appreciated the chance to “see beaches we’d never likely discover on our own.” It’s a perfect spot to take a quick swim, enjoy some tranquility, or just soak up the scenery before the next legs of the trip.

The Beaches and the Jungle

From Colomitos, the trail continues along the coast, passing through a jungle environment and some more beaches. The route includes hiking through rugged terrain — sometimes on rocky paths, sometimes on sand — and the scenery shifts from dense greenery to open beaches.

You’ll be visiting a total of six beaches on this tour. While the exact names aren’t all specified, the highlights include your initial stop, as well as four more along the way, each with its unique charm. Several reviews mention that the beaches are stunning, with crystal-clear water and soft sand, perfect for a quick dip.

However, some guests note that sea conditions can be turbulent, which might prevent swimming at a few spots. One reviewer said, “we weren’t able to swim at some beaches because of the turbulence,” but that didn’t seem to dampen their overall enjoyment.

The Final Destination: Las Animas Beach

The tour culminates at Las Animas Beach, a lively spot with a well-known seafood restaurant. Here, you can indulge in local seafood — at your own expense — and enjoy the vibrant beach scene. The food is said to be quite tasty, and being able to sit at a beachfront restaurant with a cold drink is a great way to relax after the hike.

Many travelers appreciate that this part of the trip offers both a scenic and a culinary reward. The walk back to the starting point involves a boat ride, providing a fun and scenic way to end the hike, especially after a long day on your feet.

Transportation and Timing

Your day roughly runs from 9:30 am to about 4 pm, with plenty of time for stops, swimming, and relaxing. The tour includes the water taxi and bus rides, which are standard but add a layer of authenticity to the experience. One of the reviews appreciated how “we felt like locals,” and others mentioned that the transportation was straightforward and well-organized.

The Hiking Portion: What to Expect

The total hiking distance is around 3.6 km (about 2.3 miles), which might sound short, but the terrain can be challenging in parts. It’s labeled as moderately strenuous, and several reviews point out that it’s not for those who are not in decent shape. The hike involves some rocky paths, jungle trails, and beach walking, so good footwear with traction is recommended.

Participants mention that wearing swimsuits and bringing water makes the day more enjoyable, especially since there’s no designated place to change or store gear comfortably. Shoes that can get wet are a plus, as some parts may be slippery or involve walking through shallow water.

Guide and Group Dynamics

The guides seem to be a highlight for most travelers. Multiple reviews praise their knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness. One reviewer said, “Juan was very informative and helpful all throughout,” while others noted guides like Isaac, Oscar, and Rocco, as friendly, responsible, and fun.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 people, which helps keep the atmosphere friendly and manageable. Several reviews mention that guides went out of their way to ensure safety and provide interesting insights about the flora, fauna, and local culture.

Food and Refreshments

While the tour price doesn’t include lunch or food, the final stop at Las Animas offers local seafood, which many found to be delicious. The experience of sitting at a beachside restaurant, enjoying fresh seafood and drinks, is a definite highlight. A few reviews mention the fresh coconut water and fruit stands along the way as enjoyable bonuses.

Cost and Value

At $38.98 per person, this tour offers solid value, considering it includes transportation, multiple beaches, guided commentary, and a scenic boat ride. Reviews consistently praise the tour’s cost-effectiveness and the quality of the experience, especially the knowledgeable guides and breathtaking scenery.

That said, it’s an all-day adventure and involves moderate physical effort, so it’s best suited for active travelers. If you’re looking for a laid-back beach day, this might not be your best choice — but if you want a full, immersive outdoor experience, it’s worth every penny.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This hike suits travelers who are in good health and enjoy physical activity. It’s not ideal for those with injuries or limited mobility due to the challenging terrain and distance. Nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those wanting to experience Puerto Vallarta beyond the resorts will find this tour rewarding.

If you like guided excursions that combine scenic beauty, local culture, and some exertion, this tour hits the mark. Plus, it’s perfect if you want to see beaches you’d never find on your own and enjoy some authentic seafood afterward.

FAQs

Is the hike suitable for beginners?
The hike is considered moderate but can be strenuous in parts. It’s best for those in decent shape and comfortable with uneven terrain. If you’re not very active or have health concerns, this might be too challenging.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring water, a towel, swimsuits if you want to swim, and shoes with good traction. Cash for food or drinks at the final restaurant is recommended, as food isn’t included in the tour price.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour runs from about 9:30 am to 4 pm, including transportation, hiking, swimming, and the boat ride back.

Is it okay to do this tour if I don’t want to hike much?
The hike is central to this experience. If you prefer a more relaxed day at the beach, you might want to skip this one.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, at least some guides are fluent in both English and Spanish, making safety and info accessible for English-speaking travelers.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes the public bus and water taxi rides, which are part of the adventure. It’s a cost-effective way to get around and adds to the local experience.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While weather isn’t explicitly specified, it’s a good idea to plan during a season with good weather, as the tour relies heavily on outdoor conditions. Be aware that ocean conditions can vary, affecting swimming possibilities.

Final Thoughts

The Six Hidden Beaches Hike offers a genuinely immersive day for those who love combining physical activity with sightseeing. It’s a chance to get off the beaten path, see some of Puerto Vallarta’s lesser-known spots, and enjoy the natural beauty of both jungle and coast. The guides’ expertise and the scenic variety make it a solid choice for adventurous travelers.

While it’s not for the faint of heart or anyone avoiding a bit of a workout, the rewards are worth the effort — especially if you love beaches, stunning scenery, and authentic local experiences. The value for the price, combined with the friendly guides and breathtaking views, makes this hike a memorable part of any PV trip for active explorers.

Remember, prepare well: wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and be ready for a day that’s as challenging as it is beautiful. If you’re looking for an authentic, scenic, and active experience, this tour is well worth considering.